Flemish Master Painting Techniques

Study the methods of van Eyck and Rubens to create radiant, jewel-like paintings!

Bring depth and realism to your oil paintings with the celebrated techniques of the northern Renaissance masters. Award-winning artist Andrew S. Conklin guides you through every step of this layered painting approach, starting with how to stretch your own canvas. Learn to apply an imprimatura, and then begin to lay in areas of light, half tone and shadow with a traditional earth tone ebauche color palette. Use blending to bring in an extended array of vibrant hues, and further refine form and texture with dry brushing. Discover how to mix and apply transparent and semi-opaque glazes to add glowing dimension to your work, and finish your painting with Andrew’s expert tips on erasing distracting brushstrokes and rejuvenating color.

Lesson 7. The Retouching Layer

Andrew Conklin, Instructor of Flemish Master Painting Techniques

Andrew S. Conklin's career in oil painting began at the American Academy of Art, where he received his BFA. He's taught at the Graduate School of Figurative Art and Parsons School of Design, and is currently the Studio Leader of the Foundations Departments at Harrington College of Design in Chicago. Conklin's work has been exhibited across the US and garnered several major awards; in 2013 he received "Best in Show" at the prestigious annual National Arts Club Members exhibit.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(11 reviews)

Best Overall

by jbneffaaa6821210 on February 26, 2015

Have watched a few classes and after only two lessons here I've learned so much. I've figured out much on my own but having someone explain it so clearly is great. I am looking forward to the rest of the lessons.

Have watched a few classes and after only two lessons here I've learned so much. I've figured out much on my own but having someone explain it so clearly is great. I am looking forward to the rest of the lessons.

Great So Far!

by debrakeir1718387 on January 11, 2015

Wonderful so far

Wonderful so far

VERY NICE!

by Rosalia V on December 14, 2014

I really enjoyed

I really enjoyed

Great Information

by 925artist on December 8, 2014

This has been really informative information so far. I really like how it is all explained!

This has been really informative information so far. I really like how it is all explained!

the lessons explain and make clear techniques that every artist hears about but may not know how to do.

by mcr4mls4090177 on November 4, 2014

i enjoyed watching these lessons and will apply them in my painting. thank you!

i enjoyed watching these lessons and will apply them in my painting. thank you!

Frequently asked questions

The Flemish painting method describes a painting technique that involves seven layers (canvas, sizing, ground, imprimatura, dead coloring, second coloring and retouching) that was widely used by painters in and near the county of Flanders during the early 15th century until the 17th century. The Flemish masters were the first to use and perfect oil as a painting medium (prior to that, artists painted using egg tempera and casein to bind their pigments).